8 signs and symptoms of chronic muscle tension

Most people experience muscle tension many times throughout their lives. When it comes and goes, muscle tension is typically nothing to be concerned about. However, when it sticks around, muscle tension is usually a sign of an underlying issue. Repetitive strain and old injuries can cause muscle tension that doesn’t go away. It can also be a result of stress, anxiety, dehydration and other medical conditions. 

To be considered chronic muscle tension, symptoms must persist for at least three months. Along with stiffness and tightness, you may also notice soreness, headaches, cramps, fatigue and other symptoms. However, you shouldn’t wait three months to seek treatment. We recommend seeing a physical therapist for muscle tension that lasts longer than a couple of weeks.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss eight signs you may be experiencing chronic muscle tension.

8 signs and symptoms of chronic muscle tension

Anxiety and stress are common causes of chronic muscle tension. It can also be caused by dehydration, medications, injuries and hormone imbalances. In rare cases, it can be a sign of infection or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or lupus. If an infection or a chronic illness is the cause of your muscle tension, you’ll likely have other symptoms, such as headaches, fever, fatigue, sore throat or chest pain.

Understanding the root cause of chronic muscle tension can help you find long-term solutions. If you have a lot of stress and anxiety, you might consider seeking treatment for your mental health. If you may be dehydrated, try adding electrolytes to your water to help your body absorb it better. In many cases, treatment at home with hydration, rest and gentle movement can be helpful. You can also try alternating a heating pad and an ice pack for 20 minutes each. If your tension doesn’t go away, it may be time to see a physical therapist.

The following are eight signs and symptoms of chronic muscle tension:

1. Tightness, soreness or stiffness in muscles — If you have chronic muscle tension, you’ll probably feel some soreness or stiffness in specific parts of your body. You might notice it more at night or when you try to make certain movements. 

2. Limited movement — When a certain muscle or muscle group is tense, you may have difficulty moving it. Your muscles may feel tight or too short. You may have trouble extending it to its full length or moving that part of your body through its full range of motion.

3. Sudden cramps — Tense muscles may cramp or spasm suddenly when you exercise them. Cramps can also be a result of dehydration.

4. Fatigue — Tension and stress go hand and hand, and they can both drain your energy. When you have tension over a long period of time, your body uses up more energy even while you’re at rest. You may feel more exhausted, which can make soreness even more noticeable.

5. Joint pain — Muscles shorten when they are tense, which puts a strain on the joints they’re connected to. Pain and discomfort in joints from chronic muscle tension may feel worse when you’re active. However, stretching and moving those muscles will likely make you feel better over time.

6. Burning sensation — Chronic muscle tension can create a persistent, uncomfortable burning feeling in the muscles, especially when they’re moving. When muscles work too hard without enough oxygen, they produce lactic acid as a by-product. This is why your muscles burn during and after a tough workout. When you have chronic tension, there’s less oxygen circulating in your muscle fibers.

7. Headache — Headaches are a common result of stress and tension. You may feel the pain of tension headaches at your temples, around the back of your head, and in your neck and shoulders. 

8. Vertigo — When blood supply to the inner ear is restricted, it affects your sense of balance. If the cervical (neck/upper spine) area is affected by muscle tension, you might experience vertigo or dizziness. 

Get relief from chronic muscle tension at KC Rehab

Chronic tension and soreness are usually your body’s way of telling you that you need to slow down and take care of yourself. The best course of action will depend on what’s causing your muscle tension. Keep in mind that there may be more than one issue contributing to your symptoms. 

At KC Rehab, we can help you uncover the likely causes and create a personalized treatment plan. Our PTs use soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques to help break up points of stiffness in muscles. We also offer specialty services like dry needling, which helps relieve tension and stiffness deep inside muscle tissue. If your tension and stiffness are caused by gains in muscle mass from rapid strengthening, we can provide blood flow restriction therapy.

Are you ready to try something different for chronic muscle tension? Let’s find out what’s causing it so we can help you feel better. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.